A Study of Hermetic Philosophy, The Kybalion

The Kybalion is a study of Hermetic Philosophy based on doctrines that were kept secret for centuries, seen only by the eyes of initiates of Mystery Schools in Egypt and India. This work is helpful to earnest seekers of Arcane Truths and Occult wisdom.The Emerald Tablet ofHermesbegan appearing during the twelfth century, in many different languages in the Alchemical libraries in Europe. At that time its concepts were considered too difficult to be understood by the average person. It was finally decided that a statement of Truth was necessary to reconcile bits of occult knowledge, and place them in the hands of students. The Hermetic Laws act as a key to open inner doors in the Portal already entered by those whom have already dared to enter the “Temple of Knowledge.”

The Hermetic teachings have come down to us over tens of centuries since the life of its founder, Hermes Trismegistus, “The Scribe of the gods.” During this period in history, only certain learned men knew how to write, and were in high demand to make copies of philosophical studies. Men and gods dwelt in Old Egypt when man’s present race was in its infancy. Hermes was believed to be a contemporary of Abraham of the Hebrew Bible. All esoteric traditions embedded in basic teachings of every race may be traced back to Hermes, even the ancient teachings of India. From there, occultists travelled to Egypt and obtained the Key which reconciled divergent views, while sitting at the feet of Hermes. Then Hermes was regarded as “The Great Great and Master of Masters.” Although many teachers have wandered on different pathways throughout different lands, there is still a basic resemblance underlying the theories taught by occultists of many lands today. Any student of Comparative Religions will notice the influence of the Hermetic teachings in every religion.

The lifework of Hermes was to plant a seed of truth to grow into different forms, not to establish a religion or philosophy to dominate the world’s thoughts. The original truths he taught were kept pure by a few men of each age, who reserved them for the few that were deemed ready to comprehend them. They were handed down from lips to ear—“The Lips of Wisdom are closed except to the Ears of Understanding.”

The details of Hermes Trismegistus’’ life are lost to history, though this man, or god, was said to have finally dwelt in Egypt. The date of his journey or last incarnation on our planet is unknown. Some Jewish traditions claim that Abraham learned a portion of his mystic knowledge from Hermes. After Hermes passed from this plane of existence, (tradition and oral records claim he lived 300 years in the flesh), the Egyptians deified Hermes, made him one of their gods, and changed his name to Thoth. So the Hermes and Thoth that are spoken of today are actually one and the same person or god. After the passing of more time, the Ancient Greeks began calling Hermes their “god of wisdom.” The Egyptians later revered his memory by calling him “the Scribe of the Gods” and gave him the title “Trismegistus”, meaning “thrice great” or greatest great.” In all ancient worlds, Hermes Trismegistus was revered, and even today, “hermetic” means secret or sealed so nothing can escape.